Boosting Immunity & Tackling Infections Naturally This Spring
Herbal Support for Adults and Children
By Ellie Holly
As we move towards summer, it’s the perfect time to think about how herbal medicine can support both adults and children in strengthening immunity and managing the everyday infections that often circulate during spring.
Children generally respond beautifully to herbal medicine, which can be tailored gently to their needs and given as teas or tinctures.
Using Herbal Teas Effectively
For long-standing health concerns, adults usually benefit from drinking two to three cups of herbal tea daily over time. Smaller amounts are unlikely to produce significant therapeutic effects.
For acute infections — such as coughs, colds, sore throats, or tonsillitis — increasing this to four to five cups a day can provide stronger support.
Children require much smaller amounts. When unwell, they can simply sip warm (or cooled) herbal teas throughout the day. All herbs mentioned in this article are suitable for both adults and children unless otherwise stated.
Key Herbs for Immune Support
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea & Echinacea angustifolia)
Both forms of Echinacea are well researched and widely used to support the immune system in both adults and children.
Echinacea helps enhance the body’s ability to fight infection, making it useful from the very first signs of a cold through to lingering low-grade infections.
It is generally more effective as a tincture than as a tea because alcohol extracts a much broader range of medicinal constituents from the plant than water alone.
Adults can take 20–40 drops of a 1:3 tincture one to three times daily when needed. Higher doses are often used during acute infections, with lower doses used preventatively.
Children as young as two can also take Echinacea tincture when appropriate. Young children usually only need a few drops, which can easily be mixed into food or drink. Always check dosage instructions for age guidance, or feel free to contact me for advice.
Elderflower
Elderflower is a gentle but effective herb with antiviral and anti-catarrhal properties, making it especially useful for upper respiratory infections, hayfever, and spring sinus congestion.
It helps reduce excess mucus in the nose and sinuses and has a pleasant flavour that children often enjoy.
Elderflower tea can be sweetened with a little honey or apple juice if needed and combines beautifully with fresh ginger.
Ginger Root
Ginger has antiviral, warming, and expectorant properties. It helps break down mucus in the throat and lungs, making it easier to clear.
It can be very supportive for:
- coughs
- colds
- sore throats
- congestion
- feverish illnesses
Ginger is also wonderfully comforting and easy to include in teas, soups, or broths.
Sage
Sage has strong antiseptic properties for the mouth and throat, making it especially helpful for:
- sore throats
- tonsillitis
- mouth ulcers
- gum inflammation
Sage is not suitable for children under five years old.
Fresh sage leaves can be infused as a tea (rip them into small pieces first), or simply chewed and spat out for throat and gum infections. Organic dried sage also works very well as an infusion. Alternatively, Sage tincture is just as effective.
Beyond infections, sage is traditionally used to:
- support digestion and reduce bloating
- help reduce menopausal hot flushes
- support memory and cognitive function – lots of exciting research going on in this area at the minute.
Astragalus Root
Astragalus is a traditional tonic herb used in Chinese medicine to support long-term immune resilience and recovery. Much of its immune activity is attributed to its polysaccharides — complex plant compounds that appear to modulate immune function by influencing key immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. Rather than acting as a direct “stimulant,” these compounds are thought to help balance and regulate immune responses, supporting the body’s ability to respond appropriately to infection over time.
Because of this more tonic, regulatory action, Astragalus tincture is often used in people who are prone to frequent infections or who feel run down after illness. It is not typically used in the acute stage of infection, but rather in the recovery phase, or as a longer-term support when energy and resilience are low. Some studies and traditional use also suggest it may be helpful for fatigue, particularly when this is linked to prolonged illness or immune depletion, although the clinical evidence is still limited and emerging.
In practice, Astragalus is best thought of as a “building and restoring” herb — supporting the body’s underlying vitality rather than directly targeting acute symptoms. It is generally a herb used for adults, and not one I would recommend for children unless specifically prescribed by a qualified herbalist.
Herbal Defence — Immune Support Formula
I have created a powerful herbal tincture blend called Herbal Defence to help support the body’s immune system.
It contains:
- Echinacea
- Astragalus
- Elderflower
- Thyme
- Sage
- Ginger
Herbal Defence is suitable for adults and children over 12 years old.
I also have a children’s immune support mix called Kid’s Winter Wellness that combines many of the above herbs to help children tackle respiratory infections and stay well when they are run down.
Three Foods That Support Immunity
Everyday foods can also be powerful allies against infection. Garlic, onions and leeks are from the same family of plants and have overlapping health benefits when it comes to supporting respiratory health.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin and ajoene, compounds shown to:
- inhibit viral replication
- prevent viruses attaching to cells
- support immune function
Research suggests aged garlic extract may help reduce both the severity and duration of colds. Fresh garlic should be crushed and added towards the end of cooking to preserve as many of its medicinal properties as possible.
Onions
Onions are rich in quercetin, a plant compound that may help interfere with viral activity and reduce inflammation. They also help thin mucus, making congestion easier to clear. Sliced onions can be added to milk of your choice and gently heated. The medicinal properties of the onion will move into the milk. After simmering for ten minutes, strain and then drink. Onion milk is a great way to get the medicinal benefits of onions into kids who are unwell.
Leeks
For those who dislike garlic or onions, leeks offer a gentler alternative while still providing antimicrobial and expectorant benefits. Feeding your family leek and potato soup is a great way to support their health without them even noticing!
Special Reduced-Cost Clinic Day
Thursday 28th May — LIM 2nd Studio, Islington
I’m delighted to be offering a special reduced-cost clinic day during half term on:
Thursday 28th May
10.30am – 5.30pm
LIM 2nd Studio, Islington
On this day only:
- Children’s initial consultations: £20
- Adult initial consultations: Half price
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore how herbal medicine and nutritional therapy can support:
- immunity
- digestion
- sleep
- energy levels
- stress resilience
- overall wellbeing
for both adults and children as we move into summer.
If you’d like to book, please click here to view availability for adults and here for children’s consultations.
If you’d like to find out more, feel free to call or WhatsApp me on 07949 463288. I’d love to support you or your child on your wellness journey.
